Cross Linked Files . . .

[Rickinrsm]

I'm in a really bad jam.

Out of know where my Windoes 98 SP2 will not boot properly.

It would boot but then there was no mouse or key board capability.

Another wierd hapenning was that Windows Help file window and the Find window would pop up and I couldn't get rid of them.

I checked the F1 and F3 keys. Problem doesn't seem to be there.

Next I started the computer in DOS mode, performed a scandisk and there were three files that were crossed linked. I selected FIX IT but after a few minutes an error message said that I ran out of disk space and it couldn't complete the fix. Deletes files and try again.

From there it just took a dive!

Next I started the computer again and I get the following errors.

Access violation for a file named WMP54GV4.exe and Exception EFOpen in module AVIWMP54GV4.dll.

If I can't fix this I'm screwed, BIG TIME!

Any assistance would be greatly asppreciated.

Rick

Rick ~ Access Newbie

 

[wolluf]

Sounds like a reinstall job. I'd put the drive in another machine, retrieve files I needed, then wipe the drive and install fresh. I know it takes time to re set up your stuff, but may be shorter in long run.

You could try an 'over the top' install. Boot from 98 boot floppy with CD support. At the dos prompt, rename the win.com file in C:\windows to something else (eg, win.bak). Then start the install process (x:\setup, where x: is CD drive). When prompted for folder to install into, make sure its C:\windows (not windows.000 for example) - overtype/delete displayed value as necessary. Install should now continue as normal (prompting for key, various input etc) and hopefully you'll have something like your installation back at the end of it (but the filestore problem may mean not).

PS. Might be worth running drive manufacturer's diagnostic (usually available from their website - not Toshiba - use Hitachi (which works on all) if you can't find yours) - before all this to make sure the drive's not failing.

 

[Rickinrsm]

Wolluf . . . Thanks much for your assistance.

I don't have a Windows 98 CD as the Compaq came with it installed and they only supply the restore disk which wipes out the entire hard drive.

Is the complete version of Win 98 in the CAB files? Can I reinstall WIN 98 from there?

I since learned that the two files I mentioned belong to Linksys wi-fi which I have somehow corrupted. This may be the problem but I don't know.

It's a 20 gig MAxtor hard drive and I'm going to look for their diagnostic program.

Thanks again . . .

Rick ~ Access Newbie

 

[wolluf]

If you've got all the cab files (contents of \win98 folder on the install CD), you can use them to (re)install 98 (you'll need a key as well of course), after booting from win98 boot floppy.

Maxtor's diagnostic is powermax, and should be easy to find.

I see you've started another thread (which can get confusing, best to stick to one) - but ski has a point about memory - problems with it can manifest in all sorts of ways. So, for example, if you have got access to another machine, would be worth running scandisk (or chkdsk if 2k/XP) on your drive from there (in case its hardware problems on your machine causing the problems/scandisk failure).

 

[KevinADC]

cross linked files are generally a problem with the computer being turned off or losing power right at the wrong moment.

I would also run a surface scan on the hard drive and see if the disks have some damage.